A METHOD OF REDUCING SERUM PROINSULIN LEVELS IN TYPE 2 DIABETICS

摘要

Methods are provided for reducing serum proinsulin levels, lessening post-prandial pancreatic stress, and reducing risk factors for atherosclerosis in subjects with diabetes mellitus, type 2. The method includes administration of insulin in a manner that mimics the meal-related first phase insulin response, using a dose sufficient to reduce serum levels of proinsulin. In some embodiments of the method insulin administration is commenced early in the course of the disease. Mimicking first phase kinetics, peak serum insulin levels can be reached within about 18 minutes of administration. In increasingly preferred embodiments peak serum insulin levels can be reached within about 15, 12, or 10 minutes of administration. Serum insulin levels return to baseline within about two hours of administration.